Premier League Hit By Record 103 COVID-19 Cases
The Premier League has revealed a record 103 players and staff tested positive for the coronavirus in the period from December 20 to 26, Channels Television reports.
Just a week ago, the English top-flight set a new high since testing began in 2020 with 90 positive cases.
That mark has now been beaten as the Omicron variant takes its toll.
So far in December, 15 Premier League games have been called off, while the three divisions below the top tier have been decimated by postponements.
“The League can today confirm between Monday 20 December and Sunday 26 December, 15,186 COVID-19 tests were administered on players and club staff. Of these, there were 103 new positive cases,” a Premier League statement said.
“The safety of everyone is a priority and the Premier League is taking all precautionary steps in response to the impact of the Omicron variant.”
Liverpool’s game against Leeds, Watford’s trip to Wolves, and Burnley against Everton were all cancelled before their scheduled Boxing Day fixtures.
Arsenal’s home match against Wolves on Tuesday was axed on Sunday after an increase in case numbers among Wolves’ squad.
Leeds’ game with Aston Villa, scheduled for December 28, was also postponed on Sunday due to Leeds’ continued Covid and injury issues.
Despite the rise in Covid cases and several postponements, Premier League chiefs last week opted against halting the season despite calls from some top-flight bosses for a ‘circuit breaker’
At the same meeting, clubs were warned that games will go ahead if each team has 13 fit outfield players and a goalkeeper.
